Licence needed for using either a tower crane, or mobile crane, on or above the adopted highway.

This licence is a Section 178 Licence. You'll need a separate 178 licence for tower cranes and mobile cranes. 

A mobile crane covers the use of cherry pickers, mobile elevated platform (MEWPS) and Hiabs.

Apply for a licence 

For a tower crane

Complete the document Section 178 tower crane licence (95 KB)  and email it to bridgeshighwaystructures.ta@bristol.gov.uk

You'll need to include a:

  • site plan showing crane centre and circle swept by end of jib, also the adjacent roads
  • drawing showing the crane foundation, if applicable
  • design certificate for the crane foundation: proforma available, if applicable
  • copy of Public Liability Insurance cover to the minimum value of £5,000,000 per incident
  • confirmation of measures to ensure no physical clashing of any parts with adjacent cranes, if applicable

The cost of the crane licence review is £387.

Once we've received your email, we'll contact you to take payment. 

For a mobile crane

Complete the document Section 178 mobile crane licence (96 KB)  and email it to bridgeshighwaystructures.ta@bristol.gov.uk 

You'll need to include a:

  • site plan showing crane centre and circle swept by end of jib, also the adjacent roads
  • copy of Public Liability Insurance cover to the minimum value of £5,000,000 per incident
  • confirmation of measures to ensure no physical clashing of any parts with adjacent cranes, if applicable

The cost of the crane licence review is £376.

Once we've received your email, we'll contact you to take payment. 

What happens next

You'll need to allow 10 working days for your crane permit to be processed. We'll return your permit to you by email.

Booking Road Space

If you need to place the crane on the highway then you will need to book the road space.

This can be done by emailing traffic@bristol.gov.uk with all the relevant details, such as:

  • location
  • date
  • times
  • size of crane
  • contact details

Your application and tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply for this licence. You must wait until you receive your licence from us.